Candidates grilled by punters in pub
Pub punters laid on a harsh dose of electoral reality as candidates braved the ballot box bear pit.
Ayr’s Twa Dugs boozer was the unique venue for the democractic dust up ahead of polling day.
On stage were three of the four names in the frame to become the next MP for Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock.
And by the end of a two- hour session, Allan Dorans, Duncan Townson and Martin Dowey were ready for the relative calm of the big vote itself.
Only the Lib Dems’ Helena Bongard failed to show.
“She didn’t even do me the courtesy of replying to my email,” said mine host, Post columnist Bob Shields.
“So they’ve probably lost a few votes – as well their deposit,” he joked.
Given the grilling her rivals received, she no doubt knew what was coming.
Of course, the vast majority in attendance had already nailed their colours firmly to the mast before kickoff at the pub.
But for any neutrals in the snug bar, it was a chance to examine some of the closer policies of the three men who would be King.
Tory Mr Dowey, who faced a hostile crowd during the night, began by listing “upgrade of the A77” among his key priorities if he makes Parliament.
He said: “The road carries £ 1billion in freight every year and is vital to this region’s economy.
“It must be improved to the standard required .”
On Brexit, Mr Dowey – who voted remain – came under fire for his pledge to back Boris Johnson in leaving the EU. But he insisted: “As a democrat, I believe in respecting the majority vote.
“This has been an impasse for more than three years now and people just want to move on.”
SNP candidate Mr Dorans was quick to stress a vote for his party could help “stop the catastrophe” of Brexit.
“Sixty- two per cent of Scotland voted to remain – that is the will of the Scottish people,” he said.
Mr Dorans confirmed that the SNP are willing to put Jeremy Corbyn in Downing Street via the aid of a “supply and confidence agreement”.
In return, another referendum on Scottish independence is sought.
He added: “We are always at the mercy of how English people vote.
“But we have the mandate for independence.”
Labour’s Mr Townson, who flew relatively under the radar as the big two jousted, said: “People will tell you this is a two- horse race but they are wrong.
“I’m here to tell you that there is another credible option and I would be someone who would stand up for you – not just as a voice in the corner of Parliament but in government.”
He said the SNP and Conservatives had presided over a “decade of diversity” and that both were bringing “divisive policies” to the table.
“I want to focus on bringing back jobs to our villages and towns in order to see regeneration,” he said.
He added: “It is time for the end of blame games – my position is to represent you as you deserve.”
Brexit, independence, the WASPI pension scandal and even Donald Trump dominated questions from the floor.
And by the end, the one thing the room could agree on is that voting on Thursday is a must.
As a democrat, I believe in respecting the majority vote